Hopes bird flu restrictions can control disease

A poultry group has said it hopes bird flu restrictions imposed in Shropshire will help farmers "get on top of this disease".

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was introduced by Defra on Monday following an outbreak of bird flu at a farm near Wem.

Gary Ford, of the British Free Range Egg Producers' Association, said it was "a worrying time for free range egg farmers across the country".

The association's spokesman added it was important for farms to have strict biosecurity measures and to report any suspicion of infection.

Mr Ford said: "The risk of avian influenza is significant and the impact on largely family farms is dreadful."

But he added farmers had been in similar situations "several times over the last few years" and were "very adaptable".

The restrictions in Shropshire mean all birds must be kept indoors. Mr Ford said his members would have to walk their birds more often in their sheds and maybe introduce toys for them to play with.

Higher hygiene standards have been imposed across England, to control the spread of the disease.

Mr Ford said improved biosecurity was the "best way to keep this dreadful disease out of our flocks".

Farmers should be keeping their farms clean and tidy, he said, making sure staff wore clean clothing and footwear, using disinfectant foot dips, avoiding contact with wild birds and controlling rats and mice.

Onn Monday Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced a farm worker had tested positive for bird flu and had been admitted to a "High Consequence Infectious Disease unit".

However, it said risk to humans remains low, with chicken and eggs safe to eat if properly cooked,

Mr Ford added: "We do need poultry keepers to be vigilant and to report any suspicious signs of disease in their flock."

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